An obvious conclusion to Kyabram’s loss to Seymour on Saturday was the Bombers can’t afford to be undisciplined against good sides and expect to win.
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Outplayed for a good portion of the game by a much speedier Seymour, the Bombers were dealt two double 50 metres and some 50 metres free kicks in their 33-point loss, a disturbing 88-point turnaround from when they met earlier in the season when Kyabram dominated against a depleted Lions outfit.
The wash-up from Saturday again showed Kyabram’s susceptibility against sides that can move the ball quickly and continuously on spacious grounds.
Seymour set the mood early with the first three goals and Kyabram played catch-up footy for the remainder of the game.
Some of that catch-up footy did show the Bombers can play a good brand of footy, when they kicked five unanswered goals in the third term to even up the scores and put the result in the melting pot.
This was after Lachie Smith’s move from defence into the forward line which temporarily re-energised the Bombers.
But Seymour struck back late in the term to kick three unanswered goals to regain control.
All chances of another Kyabram comeback were virtually done early in the last term when Kyle Mueller, who made a surprise return after being sidelined since round two with broken bones in his foot, was yellow carded on a striking charge, leaving the Bombers with only 17 men for the remainder of the game.
Mueller with two goals had helped Kyabram back into game in the third term but he is expected to take a two-week set penalty.
Despite the loss, however, there were some pluses for the Bombers out of the game.
Kyabram did have two of its key playmakers in Tom Holman and Zac Keogh still on the sidelines suffering from lingering injuries.
The Bombers also had to play the second half without ‘man mountain’ Jake Reeves, who had worked hard in the first half to try and keep the Bombers in touch.
But Kyabram’s lack of natural foot speed, particularly on spacious grounds, was exposed again — particularly by Seymour players in Bio Malual, Riley Mason and James Wooster.
Kyabram was again best served by three of its most consistent performers all season — onballer Kaine Herbert, ruckman Zac Norris and Lachie Smith.
Norris and Reeves didn’t get it all their own way against impressive Seymour skyscraper Jordan Angus, but the GVL representative ruckman dominated the airwaves in the second half and Herbert was at his busy best all game.
Defender Jason Morgan worked into the game after a slow start with most support from Bill Barnes, while veteran Kayne Pettifer still showed his value and was the best of the forwards.
Cooper Vick was also productive on a wing but many Kyabram players were simply off the pace and with unbeaten Echuca to tackle at Echuca this Saturday the Bombers will need to rally hard not to be embarrassed.
And the Bombers will be well below top strength for the clash with Reeves (knee) and Mueller (suspended) joining Tom Holman and Zac Keogh on the sidelines.
My best for Kyabram were: Kaine Herbert, Lachie Smith, Zac Norris, Kayne Pettifer, Jason Morgan, Cooper Vick, Billy Barnes.
Reserves
Kyabram reserves had their toughest challenge for some time against the third rung holders, but rose to the occasion to continue their unbeaten season.
In a tight, low-scoring affair the Bombers prevailed by 14 points.
Rover Mitch Gugliotti set the example in endeavour to his teammates, with other onballers and midfielders in Brodie Easton, Blake McAuliffe and Liam Dillon giving plenty of support.
Making a welcome return, goal-sneak Jarryd Pertzel’s three goals and Jamie Scapin’s two majors were also telling in determining the outcome in the tight contest.
Big men Mitch Fitzgerald, Brendan Brasier and Ben Holman also did a lot of hard work for the winners.
Thirds
Kyabram thirds always had their nose in front and while challenged at times secured a solid 30-point win.
Skipper and onballer Liam Francis set the mood for his teammates with a typically determined display.
He received plenty of support from Miller Griffiths, Cooper Fawcett and Adam Pulsoni, while big men in Oliver Watt and Will Burnett also made impacts at times.
But all the young Bombers will need to take their A-grade game to Echuca this Saturday to be a chance of testing the unbeaten leaders.
Under-16s
Kyabram’s under-16s produced a committed first half to set up a 26-point win.
The young Bombers had built a 31-point lead by the main break and were able to defend this advantage in an even second half.
The Bombers had key playmakers in Connor Cooper, Danny Miller and Lachlan Carver who received plenty of support from Agnus Scoble and Jay Gentle.
Gentle, along with Nic Jephson and Archie Guinan, all kicked two goals — which applied the scoreboard pressure on their rivals.
Sports reporter